Sunday, August 30th, 2015 at 1 PM  

  Westhampton Free Library

7 Library Avenue • Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
Phone: (631) 288-3335 • Fax: (631) 288-5715

Join author Ann Israel for a special presentation of her gorgeous book!

Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mag Jongg, offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mah Jongg, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also as far ranging as Africa to New Zealand. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mah Jongg and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in, the game.

Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mah Jongg sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing important chapters on the game’s history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy.

With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past and today’s game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mah Jongg tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mah Jongg.

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it’s a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg.” —Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League

“What a great book … The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book that not only is chuck-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I’ll not only know more about it, but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge.” —Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow

“The perfect gift for the mah jongg maven in your life.” —Southern Jewish Life Magazine